Where, When, How and Why.

Where.

This map shows the region of the world we will be looking at. The larger area is called Europe, but we will be focussing on the smaller island country of The United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland ( separate island)

TASK ONE : Using this map compare it with the modern European map below. Write a minimum of 100 words to describe the differences between the two maps. You must use the following terms at least once in your description. Increase, decrease, borders, boundaries, countries, north, east, south, west, medieval, modern. HS148. HS156.HS153

When.

The Middle Ages or Medieval period took place after the Ancient Roman period and before the Industrial Revolution. In years, we're looking around 400 and 1500AD - thats about 600 years ago! People sometimes call it the Dark Ages because it was a time when people were seen to be 'unenlightened' - in other words, not very cultured or creative. Most of the time people spent the Medieval period just trying to find enough to eat and avoid getting killed, or dying from the plague

Have a look at this timeline to see where Medieval fits in with other time periods.

TASK TWO : Choose one of the timeline events. Create an A4 poster that contains- one image- one map- 100 word detail about the event in your own words- Print and place event in order on class timelineHS148.HS151.HS157

How

The medieval life was run quite differently from how we live our lives today. We live in a system of Democracy - everyone is pretty much treated as equal. If you are poor, you can work your way to being rich. If you have no skills, you have opportunities to learn and develop new skills. If you want to be Prime Minister today - you can, it doesnt matter where you were born or who your family is.

Living in Medieval England where you were born and who your family were, determined pretty much the rest of your life. They had a social system called FEUDALISM. This basically meant that the life you were born into, was the life you stayed in. If you were born poor and a peasant, that is how you would die. It didnt matter if you were smart or kind. You were who you were.

Have a look at the video/s below which helps explain how the feudal system worked.

So as you can see, every one had a certain place in the society and had rules attached to what they can do. A bit like the pieces on a chess board really....

There are four levels of society in Feudalism, King, Noble, Knight and Peasant. Each life had its advantages and disadvantages. Your task is to research either Noble/Lord , Knight or Peasant ( No Kings/Queens please ) and then construct a job ad that explains the advantages of being that level. See the task sheet below to ensure you have fulfilled all the requirements.Assignment sheet - click here HS149, HS151, HS153, HS153, HS157

Resources - Use these links to help find out more information about each level of society.